Singapore: PHARMAC, the Pharmaceutical Management Agency in New Zealand, has slashed the price of arthritis drug Arava (leflunomide) in the country. The agency announced the change in prices of Arava packs of 10 mg and 20 mg after an agreement with the French drug company Sanofi-aventis that own the drug.

From October 1, 2012, the price and subsidy of Arava (leflunomide 10 mg and 20 mg tablets) listed in Section B, and Part II of Section H, of the Pharmaceutical Schedule of New Zealand will be reduced. A pack of 30 Arava leflunomide (10 mg) tablets that cost $79.27 will now cost $55 and a pack of 30 Arava leflunomide Tab 20 mg, which cost $108.60 will cost $76.

Subject to the continued validity of the drug's patent in New Zealand, Arava 10 mg and 20 mg tablets will have subsidy and delisting protection until March 31, 2017.

PHARMAC also stated on its website that from March 1, 2013, AFT-Leflunomide 10 mg and 20 mg tablets will be delisted from Section B, and Part II of Section H, of the Pharmaceutical Schedule and from July 1, 2014, Arava 100 mg tablets will be delisted from the same.